The word 特征 is formed by combining two characters whose core meanings conceptually merge to create a new, unified idea. The first character, 特, carries the fundamental sense of being "unique", "special", or "distinctive". The second character, 征, originally relates to a "sign", "evidence", or an "outward manifestation". When fused, the compound signifies the distinguishing outward sign or mark that defines something's unique identity, effectively forming the concept of a "characteristic" or "feature", the observable hallmark of what makes something particular.